Norman Maclean was an American author and professor, best known for his semi-autobiographical novella, A River Runs Through It. Born on December 23, 1902, in Clarinda, Iowa, he spent much of his life in Montana, where he developed a deep appreciation for nature and fly fishing. His writing often reflects themes of family, loss, and the beauty of the natural world. Maclean served as a professor of English at the University of Chicago for several decades. His literary work, characterized by its lyrical prose and vivid imagery, has earned him a lasting place in American literature. He passed away on August 2, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of influential writing.